Sheep of fools

Sheep Of Fools describes the desperate and cruel economic phenomenon of "live transport" (sheep being transported across oceans to be slaughtered), illustrated by Sue Coe's powerful images. Coe's true "yarn" harkens back to the beginning of the Wool Mart through which the British refined their Parliamentary system, its rules, and dispersal of power. Today, sheep used to produce Australia's wool (descendants of those who voyaged from England in the late 18th Century) voyage again: stacked and tightly packed in tiers on ancient freighters, without food or water, journeying for weeks until they reach Middle Eastern ports. Their destination: ritual slaughter and muttonhood. That woolen muffler will never look the same, after Sheep of Fools. This is the second Blab! storybook, a series of graphic novels showcasing artists from Monte Beauchamp's award-winning Blab! Anthology presented in a faux-children's book format, though aimed squarely at grownups and young adults. Coe is regarded as one of the best and most scathing political artists of her time, and Sheep of Fools is a perfect example of why.